A LECTURER at Ayr’s SRUC campus has been recognised for her work to enhance teaching and improve the student experience during the coronavirus pandemic.

Cath Seeds, Programme Team Leader for Wildlife and Conservation Management, has been shortlisted in the Most Innovative Teacher of the Year category of the annual THE Awards.

During the coronavirus pandemic, she has used her experience in both e-learning and nature conservation to embrace digitally enhanced teaching, with a focus on the student experience.

Cath has been both passionate and imaginative in her support of colleagues and students, getting involved in everything from supporting a cross-campus re-design of a key programme, to developing a virtual field trip during the first Covid-19 lockdown and completing the Scottish Academic Leadership Programme.

Cath is one of only eight lecturers nominated for the award across the UK.

Speaking about the recognition, she said: “I am both shocked and delighted to be shortlisted.

“It has been an unprecedented time for everyone in education and it is lovely to be recognised for the hard work and creative energy that went into delivering our programme over the last year.

“I found it an extremely challenging time but also an inspiring one, to see how far we could take our teaching delivery to ensure our students on the Wildlife and Conservation Management course could gain a high-quality experience despite the effects of Covid.

“It is also an opportunity to reflect on the brilliant team at SRUC who inspire and support each other. We are a team and as such the last year has been truly a team effort.”

The 17th annual THE Awards – which are widely known as the ‘Oscars of higher education’ will take place on Thursday, November 25 at the Hilton London Metropole in central London.

Good luck, Cath!